Taking over a ship, how will you implement MLC?

flowchart TD
    A[Take over ship] --> B[Verify MLC + DMLC on board]
    B --> C{Valid?}
    C -->|No| D[Request interim certificate\nfrom DGMA]
    C -->|Yes| E[Review Part I: flag requirements]
    E --> F[Review Part II: owner's measures]
    F --> G[Inspect 14 areas]
    G --> H[Interview seafarers]
    H --> I{Non-conformities?}
    I -->|Yes| J[Record, correct, close out]
    I -->|No| K[Maintain compliance]
    J --> K

• Purpose: implement Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 on taking over as Chief Engineer
• Core documents: Maritime Labour Certificate + Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part I and Part II
• DMLC Part I: flag State’s national requirements for each of the 14 areas (MLC Regulation 5.1.3, Standard A5.1.3)
• DMLC Part II: shipowner’s measures to ensure ongoing compliance with Part I
• 14 areas: minimum age, medical certification, qualifications, seafarers’ employment agreements, use of recruitment and placement services, hours of work or rest, manning levels, accommodation, on-board recreational facilities, food and catering, health and safety and accident prevention, on-board medical care, on-board complaint procedures, payment of wages
• Indian ships: DGMA issues MLC and Part I under MS Act 2025; shipowner completes Part II
• Action sequence: verify certificates, review Part I vs Part II, inspect each area, interview crew, record non-conformities, correct and close out, maintain records
• Chief Engineer’s role: verify engineering-related areas (accommodation, recreational facilities, health and safety and accident prevention, complaint procedures), ensure records, sign off corrections, report to master/owner